When: July 21-25 8:30am–4:00pm
Who: Ages 5–10
Cost: $275/week
The fundamentals
KGLT Kids Songwriting summer camp is a creative space for young songwriters to explore the magic of melody and lyricism. Participants learn the craft of songwriting, music composition, and audio recording. Through collaborations with working musicians, each child brings their compositions to life.
The kids graduate with the tools to write original music and poetry and record a professional-sounding production. Selected projects air on KGLT radio.
Music theory
The kids start by learning basic chords and bass lines on keyboards. The keyboard becomes their composition tool, playing their own music with their own chords. They then collaborate with each other and guest musicians to practice and improve their songs.
They leave camp knowing the three main aspects of music: rhythm, melody, and chord progressions. Instruction focuses on learning music by ear, not notation. These lessons build compositional skills and confidence in the students.
Time to write
We set aside a section of each day just for the kids to compose. Students use the songwriting tools they acquired during the week to develop their songs.
Guest musicians work one-on-one with the young songwriters. They help produce their songs and get the students ready for stage and studio. (Parents or guardians who play music are welcome to join —please reach out for more information.)
At week’s end, the kids perform their music for parents and community members. Selected performances are recorded for airplay on KGLT. Guest musicians accompany the students.
A sonic schedule
The camp takes place on MSU campus. Our morning meeting introduces the day and addresses any staff/student thoughts or concerns. We schedule several breaks, for games or time outdoors.
Weather-permitting, lunch is outside. Parents must provide lunch and snacks for their child. Food is available for purchase in the SUB cafeteria.
The kids use a songwriting journal every day for taking notes, brainstorming song ideas, and developing their original lyrics and music. Several lessons during week survey music history, with insights the many major influences, genres, and forms that combine into today’s music.
Songwriting Camp Schedule
8:30-9:00 Parent drop-off
9:00-9:15 Morning meeting
9:15-10:00 Music history
10:00-10:15 Music game!
10:15-11:00 Music theory
11:00-11:30 Rhythms and melody
11:30-12:30 Lunch listening session
12:30-1:00 Songwriting journal
1:00-2:30 Songwriting session
2:30- 3:00 End of day performance
3:00-3:30 Daily debrief
3:30-4:00 Parent pickup